New Delhi (Agency): In a significant drug bust, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) announced the seizure of narcotics valued at Rs 44 crore ($6 million approx.) at Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode, Kerala. The haul included 3.5 kilograms of cocaine and 1.3 kilograms of heroin.
The arrested individual, identified as Rajeev Kumar, is a resident of Musafar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. He had arrived at Calicut International Airport on an Air Arabia Flight from Nairobi, Kenya, via Sharjah. According to DRI officials, 4.8 kilograms of narcotics were confiscated from Kumar at the airport on Monday.
DRI officials revealed that the drugs were ingeniously concealed within various items in Kumar’s checked-in baggage. “The passenger had ingeniously concealed the contraband inside items like shoes, hand purses, hand bags, picture boards, and file folders,” they said.
The authorities successfully intercepted Kumar and are conducting further investigations. The bust was carried out by the Calicut Regional Unit under the Cochin Zonal Unit of the DRI.
This arrest and seizure highlight the challenges posed by drug trafficking through international airports. It also points to the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers to smuggle contraband across borders. The drugs were carefully hidden in everyday items to avoid detection by airport security.
Officials hope that this major bust will provide leads into broader networks involved in the international drug trade, especially connections between India and other countries. The arrest could also serve as a stern warning to potential traffickers.